U.S. patent application number 14/675894 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for system and method for predictive delivery of prioritized content.
The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Mobility II LLC. Invention is credited to Jeremy Fix, George Goehring, Sheldon Kent Meredith.
Application Number | 20160294956 14/675894 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55642841 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160294956 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fix; Jeremy ; et
al. |
October 6, 2016 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTIVE DELIVERY OF PRIORITIZED
CONTENT
Abstract
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a
server performing operations including receiving a list of media
content items; the media content items have a priority order
according to a number of communication devices of network
subscribers in a region predicted to request the respective media
content items and a predicted location of the communication
devices. The operations also include monitoring network traffic to
predict a period of decreased network load, and scheduling copying
of the media content items from a content server to a caching proxy
located in the region; the copying is scheduled to be performed
during the predicted period of decreased network load and in
accordance with the priority order. The operations further include
receiving from the caching proxy a report including the media
content items stored at the caching proxy and an amount of storage
remaining at the caching proxy. Other embodiments are
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Fix; Jeremy; (Acworth,
GA) ; Meredith; Sheldon Kent; (Marietta, GA) ;
Goehring; George; (Decatur, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Mobility II LLC |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55642841 |
Appl. No.: |
14/675894 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 41/147 20130101;
H04L 67/18 20130101; H04L 47/127 20130101; H04L 67/1097 20130101;
H04L 65/4084 20130101; H04L 67/2847 20130101; H04L 47/2433
20130101; H04L 67/2842 20130101; H04N 21/26216 20130101; H04W
28/0226 20130101; H04L 67/10 20130101; H04L 43/0876 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08; H04L 12/851 20060101 H04L012/851; H04L 12/26 20060101
H04L012/26; H04L 12/801 20060101 H04L012/801 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: predicting, by a system including a
processor, requests for media content from communication devices of
network subscribers located in a region; determining, by the
system, a current location of each of the communication devices of
the network subscribers; predicting, by the system, a future
location of each of the communication devices of the network
subscribers; analyzing, by the system, the predicted requests to
determine a priority order of media content items according to the
communication devices of the network subscribers predicted to
request the media content items and the future location of the
communication devices of the network subscribers; monitoring, by
the system, traffic on a network to predict a period of decreased
network load; scheduling, by the system, copying of the media
content items from a content server to a storage device located in
the region, wherein the copying is scheduled to be performed during
the predicted period of decreased network load and in accordance
with the priority order; delivering, by the system, the media
content items to the storage device according to the scheduling;
receiving, by the system, a request for an item of media content
from the communication device of a network subscriber of the
network subscribers; determining, by the system, whether the
requested item of media content is available at the device; and
responsive to determining that the requested item of media content
is available at the storage device: redirecting, by the system, the
request to the storage device, and updating, by the system, a
content usage database for the region.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the delivering further comprises
delivering a portion of the media content items to a first device
at the current location and to a second device at the predicted
future location.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein predicting the future location
further comprises accessing a database of past locations of the
communication device of the network subscriber.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the storage device comprises a
caching proxy, and wherein the region has a residential gateway
located therein, the residential gateway communicating with the
caching proxy and with the communication device of the network
subscriber.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the region has a base station
located therein, the base station communicating with the storage
device and with the communication device of the network subscriber,
and wherein the communication device of the network subscriber
comprises a mobile communication device.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the network comprises a unicast
content delivery network for delivering content to each of the
network subscribers on demand.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring further comprises
receiving node utilization information and link utilization
information regarding the network, and wherein the traffic on the
network comprises added traffic due to the delivering of the media
content items to the storage device.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the predicting the requests for
media content further comprises: generating a first data model
profile for a network subscriber based on historical content usage
by the network subscriber; generating a second data model profile
for the network subscriber based on historical location data of the
network subscriber; obtaining a list of content items; and
assigning to each content item a request probability with respect
to the network subscriber, based on the first data model profile
and the second data model profile.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the second data model profile
comprises information regarding equipment used by the network
subscriber at a given location.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving from the
storage device a report including the content stored at the storage
device and an amount of storage remaining at the storage
device.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising transmitting, in
response to the report, a command to the storage device to delete
an item of content.
12. A server comprising: a memory that stores instructions; and a
processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor, responsive
to executing the instructions, performs operations comprising:
receiving a list of media content items, the media content items
having a priority order according to a number of communication
devices of network subscribers in a region predicted to request the
respective media content items and a predicted location of the
communication devices; monitoring traffic on a network to determine
a period of decreased network load; scheduling copying of the media
content items from a content server to a network element located in
the region, wherein the copying is scheduled to be performed during
the period of decreased network load and in accordance with the
priority order; and receiving from the network element a report
including an amount of storage remaining at the network
element.
13. The server of claim 12, wherein the monitoring further
comprises receiving node utilization information and link
utilization information regarding the network, and wherein the
traffic on the network comprises added traffic due to the copying
of the media content items to the network element.
14. The server of claim 12, wherein the network element comprises a
caching proxy, and wherein the report includes the media content
items stored at the caching proxy.
15. The server of claim 12, wherein the network comprises a unicast
content delivery network for delivering content to each of the
network subscribers on demand.
16. The server of claim 12, wherein the monitoring further
comprises determining a currently available bandwidth for copying
of the media content items, and wherein the scheduling further
comprises optimizing the copying of the media content items in
accordance with the currently available bandwidth.
17. A machine-readable storage device comprising instructions
which, responsive to being executed by a processor, cause the
processor to perform operations comprising: receiving a list of
media content items, the media content items having a priority
order according to a number of communication devices of network
subscribers in a region predicted to request the respective media
content items and a predicted location of the communication
devices; monitoring traffic on a network to identify a period of
decreased network load; and scheduling copying of the media content
items from a content server to a storage device located in the
region, wherein the copying is scheduled to be performed during the
period of decreased network load and in accordance with the
priority order.
18. The machine-readable storage device of claim 17, wherein the
operations further comprise: receiving from the storage device a
report including an amount of storage remaining at the storage
device; and transmitting, in response to the report, a command to
the storage device to delete an item of content.
19. The machine-readable storage device of claim 17, wherein the
monitoring further comprises receiving node utilization information
and link utilization information regarding the network, and wherein
the traffic on the network comprises added traffic due to the
copying of the media content items to the storage device.
20. The machine-readable storage device of claim 17, wherein the
storage device comprises a caching proxy.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The subject disclosure relates to a system and method for
predictive delivery of prioritized content to both mobile and
stationary viewing platforms. More particularly, the subject
disclosure relates to use of a caching proxy for more efficient
delivery of on-demand unicast content.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Content delivery networks continue to move from multicasting
to unicasting (that is, individual delivery of content to each
customer on demand). Network service providers are thus
increasingly called upon to deliver content efficiently, at lower
cost, and with higher resolution, in a unicast environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0004] FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a hub location
including a content server that delivers content to a storage
device or caching proxy located in a neighborhood;
[0005] FIG. 2 depicts a illustrative embodiment of a prediction
engine for predicting content needs of users in the
neighborhood;
[0006] FIG. 3 depicts a illustrative embodiment of a content
scheduling server for scheduling delivery of content to a local
caching proxy;
[0007] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a process in which content
is delivered to a user via a caching proxy, in accordance with
embodiments of the disclosure;
[0008] FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts schematically illustrating
methods used in portions of the system described in FIGS. 1-3;
[0009] FIGS. 7-8 depict illustrative embodiments of communication
systems that provide media services to subscriber neighborhoods as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 4;
[0010] FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal
for interacting with the communication systems of FIGS. 7-8;
[0011] FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a
communication device; and
[0012] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the
form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, when
executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the
methods described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The subject disclosure describes, among other things,
illustrative embodiments for delivering content on a network using
a local storage device (caching proxy) that receives content from a
content server in advance of user requests for the content; content
is proactively copied to the caching proxy according to a
prediction of user content needs so that it is locally available to
the user on demand. Other embodiments are described in the subject
disclosure.
[0014] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
content server, a content scheduling server, and a local storage
device. Using a local storage device can decrease the overhead
associated with moving content, specifically unicast content. In
particular, content can be moved dynamically in advance of user
requests, and can be moved to a local distribution point one time
rather than multiple times. Content can be prioritized and moved to
the local storage device according to a dynamically generated
schedule; and as content is reprioritized, it can be removed from
the local storage device. By combining user location and viewing
history for all of a user's content delivery devices, a system
according to the disclosure can obtain a rich understanding of how,
when, and where users interact with content, which in turn enables
off-peak delivery of content through predictive analytics and
prioritized scheduling.
[0015] One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a method
comprising predicting, by a system including a processor, requests
for media content from communication devices of network subscribers
located in a region, determining a current location of each of the
communication devices of the network subscribers, and predicting a
future location of each of the communication devices of the network
subscribers. The method also comprises analyzing the predicted
requests to determine a priority order of media content items
according to the communication devices of the network subscribers
predicted to request the media content items and the future
location of respective items of the subscriber equipment. The
method also comprises monitoring traffic on the network to predict
a period of decreased network load, and scheduling copying of the
media content items from a content server to a storage device
located in the region; the copying is scheduled to be performed
during the predicted period of decreased network load and in
accordance with the priority order. The method further comprises
delivering the media content items to the storage device according
to the scheduling, and receiving a request for an item of media
content from the communication device of a network subscriber. The
method also comprises determining whether the requested item of
media content is available at the storage device, and if so,
redirecting the request to the storage device and updating a
content usage database for the region.
[0016] One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a server
comprising a memory that stores instructions and a processor
coupled to the memory. The processor, responsive to executing the
instructions, performs operations comprising receiving a list of
media content items; the media content items have a priority order
according to a number of communication devices of network
subscribers in a region predicted to request the respective media
content items and a predicted location of the communication
devices. The operations also comprise monitoring traffic on the
network to predict a period of decreased network load, and
scheduling copying of the media content items from a content server
to a caching proxy located in the region; the copying is scheduled
to be performed during the predicted period of decreased network
load and in accordance with the priority order. The operations
further comprise receiving from the caching proxy a report
including the media content items stored at the caching proxy and
an amount of storage remaining at the caching proxy.
[0017] One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a
machine-readable storage device comprising instructions which,
responsive to being executed by a processor, cause the processor to
perform operations. The operations comprise receiving a list of
media content items; the media content items have a priority order
according to a number of communication devices of network
subscribers in a region predicted to request the respective media
content items and a predicted location of the communication
devices. The operations also comprise monitoring traffic on the
network to predict a period of decreased network load, and
scheduling copying of the media content items from a content server
to a caching proxy located in the region; the copying is scheduled
to be performed during the predicted period of decreased network
load and in accordance with the priority order. The monitoring
further comprises receiving node utilization information and link
utilization information regarding the network; the traffic on the
network comprises added traffic due to the copying of the media
content items to the caching proxy.
[0018] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a system 100 for delivering
media content to network subscribers (users), in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure. A hub location 110 includes a content
server 140 for delivering content 145 to a region (neighborhood)
150, which in general can have both residential and mobile
subscribers. Hub location 110 and region 150 are typically
geographically separate; a single hub location can communicate with
several regions. In this embodiment, the content 145 is delivered
to a storage device (caching proxy) 151 for subsequent delivery to
subscribers via residential gateways 160, 170 located in the
region, and/or via cellular base station 180 located in the region.
As shown in FIG. 1, residential gateways 160, 170 communicate with
devices 161, 171 respectively to present items of media content to
residential subscribers; cellular base station 180 communicates
with device 181 to present items of media content to a mobile
subscriber. In this embodiment, the system 100 provides on-demand
unicast content to the users, so that content is delivered
individually to each user. The system is not limited to residential
applications; accordingly, a neighborhood may be understood as any
group of subscribers in a region served by the hub location.
[0019] On-demand unicast content delivery can use significant
bandwidth, particularly as users increasingly demand
higher-resolution data streams. In this embodiment, content can be
delivered to the neighborhood efficiently by predicting users'
requests for content items, and sending those items from the
content server 140 to the neighborhood storage device (caching
proxy) 151 in advance of the requests. In particular, content can
be sent to the caching proxy at scheduled times when network
traffic is predicted to be relatively light. In this embodiment, if
a particular item of content is available in the caching proxy and
desired by multiple users in the neighborhood, that item can be
obtained from the caching proxy by each user on demand without
requiring multiple real-time transmissions from the hub location
110.
[0020] The hub location 110 includes a prediction engine 120 for
forecasting the content the users in the neighborhood are most
likely to view in a given time period (e.g. the next 24 hours). The
prediction engine communicates with a user viewing history database
121 that stores the content viewing records of the users. In this
embodiment, the prediction engine 120 also communicates with a user
location history database 122 that stores historical data on the
movements of the users. The content viewing prediction is
aggregated at content scheduling server 130. The content scheduling
server prioritizes the highest-probability content needs for
specific neighborhood locations, and generates a schedule for
copying of content from the content server 140 to the caching proxy
151 of the neighborhood. In this embodiment, the content scheduling
server schedules the copying of content based on current network
traffic and the expected additional traffic load due to the
copying.
[0021] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an arrangement 200 of
databases accessed and data generated by the prediction engine, in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The prediction
engine 120 takes as an input user historical viewing patterns from
the database 121 to build a data model that describes the types of
content of interest to the user. The prediction engine also takes
as an input user historical locations from the database 122 to
build a data model that describes the user's movement patterns. The
prediction engine applies these models to generate a
viewing/location profile 230 for the user that identifies content
the user is likely to watch, and the time, place, and device at
which the user is most likely to watch that content. For example,
the profile 230 could indicate that the user watches content on a
mobile device while at the soccer field on Saturday mornings, and
while at that location is less likely to watch a movie and more
likely to watch shorter-length content such as a television show or
amateur video clips.
[0022] The content directory database 240 provides a listing of
content available to the user, based on the user's subscriptions to
network 100. The prediction engine then assigns a probability to
each item of content, based on the likelihood that the user will be
interested in the content while at likely locations during the
upcoming time period (e.g. the next 24 hours). For example, the
prediction engine forecasts how much time the user will be at the
soccer field instead of at home, and assigns probabilities to
movies and amateur video clips accordingly. The prediction engine
then generates a user probability list 250 indicating items of
content, times, locations, and devices for each user. In an
embodiment, the user probability list includes a matrix with
content items prioritized (listed in order of probability),
correlated to probable locations and devices associated with those
locations, for an upcoming time period. The user probability list
is transmitted to demand content database 260, which is accessed by
the content scheduling server 130.
[0023] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a system 300 for scheduling
delivery of content to local caching proxies, in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure. Demand content database 260 is in
communication with content scheduling server 130; the demand
content database 260 maintains a prioritized list of content that
can be scheduled for delivery to locations on the network. In this
embodiment, the demand content database maintains a live list (that
is, items of content are constantly being added, deleted, or moved
due to content being re-prioritized) for proactive delivery (that
is, items of content are delivered to a caching proxy in advance of
user requests).
[0024] The content scheduling server 130 receives node utilization
information 310 and link utilization information 320 from the
network, to monitor live traffic on the network and to forecast
when the network is likely to experience decreased loads and thus
permit efficient advance delivery of content. The content
scheduling server also monitors the amount of traffic being added
to the network by virtue of content deliveries that load the
caching proxies. The content scheduling server determines the
available bandwidth on the network, and optimizes the advance
delivery of content by using only the currently available
bandwidth.
[0025] In an embodiment, the content scheduling server prioritizes
content deliveries based on the number of users likely to benefit
from loading the content on the caching proxy; the amount of time
remaining until the content is viewed by the largest predicted
audience, and the location of the predicted users. The content
scheduling server generates a schedule for content copying by the
content server, directing the content server to transmit copies of
content items in priority order to the respective caching proxies
when bandwidth is available (typically at off-peak times of the day
or week).
[0026] In an embodiment, each of the caching proxies (e.g. caching
proxies 151, 351, 352 in different respective neighborhoods)
reports its current state to the content scheduling server; this
report can include a list of the content currently stored in the
caching proxy, and the amount of storage remaining. The content
scheduling server can manage the storage at each caching proxy by
monitoring the available storage and issuing `delete content`
commands to ensure that storage is available for the
highest-priority content. In an embodiment, a caching proxy can
delay or cancel deletion of an item of content, if that item is
actively being viewed by a user.
[0027] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a system 400 of network
elements for loading a caching proxy and fulfilling a user request
for content, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As
shown in FIG. 4, the prediction engine 120 transmits the user
probability list to the demand content database 260, the content
scheduling server 130 receives the live prioritized list of content
from the demand content database, and the content scheduling server
directs the content server 140 to copy content according to the
generated schedule (transmissions 401, 402, 403 respectively). The
content server delivers the content 145 to the caching proxy 151 of
the neighborhood.
[0028] When the user (via the residential gateway 160) sends a
request 404 to the content server for an item of content, the
content server determines whether that item has already been
delivered to the neighborhood caching proxy 151. If so, the content
server redirects the request to the caching proxy, and the user
obtains the requested item from the caching proxy. The content
server can then send a message 405 to the prediction engine that
the content item was requested and delivered to the user; the
prediction engine can then update the user viewing history
accordingly.
[0029] FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts depicting illustrative
embodiments of methods 500, 600 used by the systems shown in FIGS.
1-4 for delivering content and fulfilling content requests using a
neighborhood caching proxy. In step 502, a system executing the
prediction engine builds a data model profile for a user that
describes the user's preferred types of content, based on the
user's content viewing history. In step 504, the prediction engine
builds a data model profile for the user's location activity, based
on the user's location/movement history. Using these model profiles
and the list of available content from the content directory 240,
the prediction engine determines probability scores for the items
of available content, according to the likelihood that the user
will request a given content item (step 506). The prediction engine
then generates the user probability list for an upcoming period of
time (step 508), taking into account the content probability score,
the user's predicted location at various times during the upcoming
period, and the device(s) likely to be used to view the content.
The user probability list is then transmitted to the demand content
database 260.
[0030] The content scheduling server aggregates the predictions for
the users located in the neighborhood (step 510), based on the user
probability lists obtained by accessing the demand content
database. The content scheduling server prioritizes the delivery of
content items to the caching proxy (step 512) so that those items
most likely to be viewed can be obtained from the caching proxy.
The content scheduling server monitors live network traffic and
added traffic arising from content delivery to the caching proxy
(step 514), using node utilization and link utilization information
from the network. The content scheduling server then generates a
schedule for content copying from the content server to the caching
proxy (step 516). The content server delivers the copies to the
caching proxy according to the schedule (step 518).
[0031] When the content server receives a request (step 602) for a
content item from a user (in this embodiment, a subscriber to an
on-demand unicast content delivery network), the content server
performs a lookup procedure for the content item. In an embodiment,
the content server queries the user's neighborhood caching proxy
whether the proxy has the content item available. In another
embodiment, the content server queries its own history to determine
whether the content item has already been delivered to the caching
proxy.
[0032] If the requested content item is available at the caching
proxy (step 604), the content server redirects the request for the
content item to the caching proxy (step 606). In an embodiment, the
content server redirects the request automatically, so that the
user equipment does not need to re-send the request message to the
caching proxy. In another embodiment, the content server informs
the user equipment that the requested item is available at the
caching proxy, so that the user equipment sends subsequent requests
for the same item directly to the caching proxy. In another
embodiment, if a content item previously delivered to the caching
proxy has been deleted from the caching proxy, the caching proxy
sends the user equipment and the content server a message that the
item is no longer available. The content server then sends the
content item to the user equipment (step 605) without the user
having to repeat the request.
[0033] If the requested item is available, the caching proxy sends
the item to the user equipment in response to the redirected
request (step 608). The content server can send a report of actual
content usage to the prediction engine (step 610), to update the
user content history. The caching proxy can send the content
scheduling server a report of its current state, including the
content stored at the caching proxy and the amount of storage
remaining (step 612). In this embodiment, the caching proxy is
aware of its current content, but does not keep track of its
history.
[0034] FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first
communication system 700 for delivering media content. The
communication system 700 can represent an Internet Protocol
Television (IPTV) media system. Communication system 700 can be
overlaid or operably coupled with systems 100-400 of FIGS. 1-4 as
another representative embodiment of communication system 700. For
instance, one or more devices illustrated in the communication
system 700 of FIG. 7 can include a server that comprises a memory
that stores instructions and a processor coupled to the memory. The
processor, responsive to executing the instructions, can perform
operations comprising receiving a list of media content items; the
media content items have a priority order according to a number of
network subscribers in a neighborhood predicted to request the
respective media content items. The operations can also comprise
monitoring traffic on the network to predict a period of decreased
network load, and scheduling copying of the media content items
from a content server to a caching proxy located in the
neighborhood; the copying is scheduled to be performed during the
predicted period of decreased network load and in accordance with
the priority order. The operations can further comprise receiving
from the caching proxy a report including the media content items
stored at the caching proxy and an amount of storage remaining at
the caching proxy.
[0035] The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office
(SHO) 710 with at least one super headend office server (SHS) 711
which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial
communication systems. In the present context, media content can
represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as
2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still image
content, and combinations thereof. The SHS server 711 can forward
packets associated with the media content to one or more video
head-end servers (VHS) 714 via a network of video head-end offices
(VHO) 712 according to a multicast communication protocol.
[0036] The VHS 714 can distribute multimedia broadcast content via
an access network 718 to commercial and/or residential buildings
702 housing a gateway 704 (such as a residential or commercial
gateway). The access network 718 can represent a group of digital
subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central
office or a service area interface that provide broadband services
over fiber optical links or copper twisted pairs 719 to buildings
702. The gateway 704 can use communication technology to distribute
broadcast signals to media processors 706 such as Set-Top Boxes
(STBs) which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices
708 such as computers or television sets managed in some instances
by a media controller 707 (such as an infrared or RF remote
controller).
[0037] The gateway 704, the media processors 706, and media devices
708 can utilize tethered communication technologies (such as
coaxial, powerline or phone line wiring) or can operate over a
wireless access protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi),
Bluetooth.RTM., Zigbee.RTM. or other present or next generation
local or personal area wireless network technologies. By way of
these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invoked
between the media processors 706 and subsystems of the IPTV media
system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an
electronic programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure
services.
[0038] A satellite broadcast television system 729 can be used in
the media system of FIG. 7. The satellite broadcast television
system can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV
system as another representative embodiment of communication system
700. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 715
that include media content can be received by a satellite dish
receiver 731 coupled to the building 702. Modulated signals
received by the satellite dish receiver 731 can be transferred to
the media processors 706 for demodulating, decoding, encoding,
and/or distributing broadcast channels to the media devices 708.
The media processors 706 can be equipped with a broadband port to
an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 732 to enable
interactive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.
[0039] In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable
broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system 733 can be
overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or
the satellite TV system as another representative embodiment of
communication system 700. In this embodiment, the cable TV system
733 can also provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media
services. System 700 enables various types of interactive
television and/or services including IPTV, cable and/or
satellite.
[0040] The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next
generation over-the-air and/or landline media content services
system.
[0041] Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be
coupled to one or more computing devices 730, a portion of which
can operate as a web server for providing web portal services over
the ISP network 732 to wireline media devices 708 or wireless
communication devices 716.
[0042] Communication system 700 can also provide for all or a
portion of the computing devices 730 to function as a content
server, a server performing prediction functions, and/or a server
performing content scheduling functions (herein referred to as
server 730). The server 730 can use computing and communication
technology to execute a prediction engine and perform scheduling
and copying of content to a local caching proxy, which can include
among other things, the functions described above with reference to
FIGS. 1-6. For instance, a content scheduling function of server
730 can be similar to the functions described for content
scheduling server 130 of FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 in accordance with
methods 500-600. The media processors 706 and wireless
communication devices 716 can be provisioned with software
functions to utilize the services of server 730.
[0043] Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media
devices over landline technologies such as those described above.
Additionally, media services can be offered to media devices by way
of a wireless access base station 717 operating according to common
wireless access protocols such as Global System for Mobile or GSM,
Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA, Time Division Multiple
Access or TDMA, Universal Mobile Telecommunications or UMTS, World
interoperability for Microwave or WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or
SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and so on. Other present and next
generation wide area wireless access network technologies can be
used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. FIG. 8
depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 800
employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture to
facilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and
packet-switched systems. Communication system 800 can be overlaid
or operably coupled with systems 100-400 of FIGS. 1-4 and
communication system 700 as another representative embodiment of
communication system 700. The system can perform a method
comprising predicting, by a system including a processor, requests
for media content by network subscribers located in a neighborhood,
and analyzing the predicted requests to determine a priority order
of media content items according to a number of network subscribers
in the neighborhood predicted to request the respective media
content items. The method can also comprise monitoring traffic on
the network to predict a period of decreased network load, and
scheduling copying of the media content items from a content server
to a caching proxy located in the neighborhood; the copying is
scheduled to be performed during the predicted period of decreased
network load and in accordance with the priority order. The method
can further comprise delivering the media content items to the
caching proxy according to the scheduling, and receiving a request
for an item of media content from equipment of a network subscriber
located in the neighborhood. The method can also comprise
determining whether the requested item of media content is
available at the caching proxy, and if so, redirecting the request
to the caching proxy and updating a content usage database for the
neighborhood.
[0044] Communication system 800 can comprise a Home Subscriber
Server (HSS) 840, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server 830, and
other network elements of an IMS network 850. The IMS network 850
can establish communications between IMS-compliant communication
devices (CDs) 801, 802, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
CDs 803, 805, and combinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway
Control Function (MGCF) 820 coupled to a PSTN network 860. The MGCF
820 need not be used when a communication session involves IMS CD
to IMS CD communications. A communication session involving at
least one PSTN CD may utilize the MGCF 820.
[0045] IMS CDs 801, 802 can register with the IMS network 850 by
contacting a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which
communicates with an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn,
communicates with a Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with
the HSS 840. To initiate a communication session between CDs, an
originating IMS CD 801 can submit a Session Initiation Protocol
(SIP INVITE) message to an originating P-CSCF 804 which
communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF 806. The
originating S-CSCF 806 can submit the SIP INVITE message to one or
more application servers (ASs) 817 that can provide a variety of
services to IMS subscribers.
[0046] For example, the application servers 817 can be used to
perform originating call feature treatment functions on the calling
party number received by the originating S-CSCF 806 in the SIP
INVITE message. Originating treatment functions can include
determining whether the calling party number has international
calling services, call ID blocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit
dialing, and/or is requesting special telephony features (e.g., *72
forward calls, *73 cancel call forwarding, *67 for caller ID
blocking, and so on). Based on initial filter criteria (iFCs) in a
subscriber profile associated with a CD, one or more application
servers may be invoked to provide various call originating feature
services.
[0047] Additionally, the originating S-CSCF 806 can submit queries
to the ENUM system 830 to translate an E.164 telephone number in
the SIP INVITE message to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI)
if the terminating communication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP
URI can be used by an Interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 807 to submit a
query to the HSS 840 to identify a terminating S-CSCF 814
associated with a terminating IMS CD such as reference 802. Once
identified, the I-CSCF 807 can submit the SIP INVITE message to the
terminating S-CSCF 814. The terminating S-CSCF 814 can then
identify a terminating P-CSCF 816 associated with the terminating
CD 802. The P-CSCF 816 may then signal the CD 802 to establish
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services, thereby
enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voice and/or
data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile,
one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various
call terminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not
disturb, music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing,
etc.
[0048] In some instances the aforementioned communication process
is symmetrical. Accordingly, the terms "originating" and
"terminating" in FIG. 8 may be interchangeable. It is further noted
that communication system 800 can be adapted to support video
conferencing. In addition, communication system 800 can be adapted
to provide the IMS CDs 801, 802 with the multimedia and Internet
services of communication system 700 of FIG. 7.
[0049] If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD
such as CD 803 or CD 805 (in instances where the cellular phone
only supports circuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM
system 830 can respond with an unsuccessful address resolution
which can cause the originating S-CSCF 806 to forward the call to
the MGCF 820 via a Breakout Gateway Control Function (BGCF) 819.
The MGCF 820 can then initiate the call to the terminating PSTN CD
over the PSTN network 860 to enable the calling and called parties
to engage in voice and/or data communications.
[0050] It is further appreciated that the CDs of FIG. 8 can operate
as wireline or wireless devices. For example, the CDs of FIG. 8 can
be communicatively coupled to a cellular base station 821, a
femtocell, a WiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless
Telecommunications (DECT) base unit, or another suitable wireless
access unit to establish communications with the IMS network 850 of
FIG. 8. The cellular access base station 821 can operate according
to common wireless access protocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS,
WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on. Other present and next generation
wireless network technologies can be used by one or more
embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly, multiple
wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used by the
CDs of FIG. 8.
[0051] Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched
voice and packet-switched data communications and thus may operate
as IMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular
base station 821 may communicate directly with the IMS network 850
as shown by the arrow connecting the cellular base station 821 and
the P-CSCF 816.
[0052] Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system,
component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware
and/or software. Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a
respective CSCF system having one or more computers or servers,
either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server
may be configured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any
method, step, or functionality described herein in accordance with
a respective CSCF. Likewise, other functions, servers and computers
described herein, including but not limited to, the HSS, the ENUM
server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can be embodied in a respective
system having one or more computers or servers, either centralized
or distributed, where each computer or server may be configured to
perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or
functionality described herein in accordance with a respective
function, server, or computer.
[0053] The server 730 of FIG. 7 can be operably coupled to
communication system 800 for purposes similar to those described
above. Server 730 can provide services to the CDs 801, 802, 803 and
805 of FIG. 8, which can be adapted with software to utilize the
services of the server 730. Server 730 can be an integral part of
the application server(s) 817, which can be adapted to the
operations of the IMS network 850.
[0054] For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF,
I-CSCF, and so on, can be server devices, but may be referred to in
the subject disclosure without the word "server." It is also
understood that any form of a CSCF server can operate in a device,
system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed
hardware and software. It is further noted that these terms and
other terms such as DIAMETER commands are terms can include
features, methodologies, and/or fields that may be described in
whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3.sup.rd Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some or all
embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part
modify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed
standards published and promulgated by 3GPP.
[0055] FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal
902 of a communication system 900. Communication system 900 can be
overlaid or operably coupled with systems 100-400 of FIGS. 1-4,
communication system 700, and/or communication system 800 as
another representative embodiment of systems 100-400, communication
system 700, and/or communication system 800. The web portal 902 can
be used for managing services of systems 100-400 and communication
systems 700-800. A web page of the web portal 902 can be accessed
by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with an Internet browser using
an Internet-capable communication device such as those described in
FIGS. 7-8. The web portal 902 can be configured, for example, to
access a media processor 706 and services managed thereby such as a
Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a Video on Demand (VoD) catalog, an
Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), or a personal catalog (such as
personal videos, pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored at the
media processor 706. The web portal 902 can also be used for
provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioning Internet
services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on.
[0056] The web portal 902 can further be utilized to manage and
provision software applications to adapt these applications as may
be desired by subscribers and/or service providers of systems
100-400 of FIGS. 1-4, and communication systems 700-800.
[0057] FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a
communication device 1000. Communication device 1000 can serve in
whole or in part as an illustrative embodiment of the devices
depicted in FIGS. 1-4 and FIGS. 7-8.
[0058] Communication device 1000 can comprise a wireline and/or
wireless transceiver 1002 (herein transceiver 1002), a user
interface (UI) 1004, a power supply 1014, a location receiver 1016,
a motion sensor 1018, an orientation sensor 1020, and a controller
1006 for managing operations thereof. The transceiver 1002 can
support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such
as Bluetooth.RTM., ZigBee.RTM., WiFi, DECT, or cellular
communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth.RTM.
and ZigBee.RTM. are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth.RTM.
Special Interest Group and the ZigBee.RTM. Alliance, respectively).
Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X,
UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as
other next generation wireless communication technologies as they
arise. The transceiver 1002 can also be adapted to support
circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),
packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,
etc.), and combinations thereof.
[0059] The UI 1004 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive
keypad 1008 with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a
joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations
of the communication device 1000. The keypad 1008 can be an
integral part of a housing assembly of the communication device
1000 or an independent device operably coupled thereto by a
tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless
interface supporting for example Bluetooth.RTM.. The keypad 1008
can represent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a
QWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 1004 can further
include a display 1010 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid
Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other
suitable display technology for conveying images to an end user of
the communication device 1000. In an embodiment where the display
1010 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all of the keypad 1008 can be
presented by way of the display 1010 with navigation features.
[0060] The display 1010 can use touch screen technology to also
serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch
screen display, the communication device 1000 can be adapted to
present a user interface with graphical user interface (GUI)
elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger.
The touch screen display 1010 can be equipped with capacitive,
resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect how much
surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of the
touch screen display. This sensing information can be used to
control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of
the user interface. The display 1010 can be an integral part of the
housing assembly of the communication device 1000 or an independent
device communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline
interface (such as a cable) or a wireless interface.
[0061] The UI 1004 can also include an audio system 1012 that
utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as
audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio
(such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system
1012 can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals
of an end user. The audio system 1012 can also be used for voice
recognition applications. The UI 1004 can further include an image
sensor 1013 such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for
capturing still or moving images.
[0062] The power supply 1014 can utilize common power management
technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply
regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for
supplying energy to the components of the communication device 1000
to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications.
Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize
external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical
interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering
technologies.
[0063] The location receiver 1016 can utilize location technology
such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of
assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device
1000 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS
satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services
such as navigation. The motion sensor 1018 can utilize motion
sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other
suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the
communication device 1000 in three-dimensional space. The
orientation sensor 1020 can utilize orientation sensing technology
such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the
communication device 1000 (north, south, west, and east, as well as
combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable
orientation metrics).
[0064] The communication device 1000 can use the transceiver 1002
to also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth.RTM.,
or other wireless access points by sensing techniques such as
utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal
time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The
controller 1006 can utilize computing technologies such as a
microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate
arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and/or a video
processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM,
SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executing computer
instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by the
aforementioned components of the communication device 1000.
[0065] Other components not shown in FIG. 10 can be used in one or
more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the
communication device 1000 can include a reset button (not shown).
The reset button can be used to reset the controller 1006 of the
communication device 1000. In yet another embodiment, the
communication device 1000 can also include a factory default
setting button positioned, for example, below a small hole in a
housing assembly of the communication device 1000 to force the
communication device 1000 to re-establish factory settings. In this
embodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or
paper clip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default
setting button. The communication device 1000 can also include a
slot for adding or removing an identity module such as a Subscriber
Identity Module (SIM) card. SIM cards can be used for identifying
subscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data,
and so forth.
[0066] The communication device 1000 as described herein can
operate with more or less of the circuit components shown in FIG.
10. These variant embodiments can be used in one or more
embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0067] The communication device 1000 can be adapted to perform the
functions of devices of FIGS. 1-4, the media processor 706, the
media devices 708, or the portable communication devices 716 of
FIG. 7, as well as the IMS CDs 801-802 and PSTN CDs 803-805 of FIG.
8. It will be appreciated that the communication device 1000 can
also represent other devices that can operate in the systems of
FIGS. 1-4, and communication systems 700-800 of FIGS. 7-8 such as a
gaming console and a media player.
[0068] Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be
evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said
embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing
from the scope of the claims described below. For example, in one
embodiment the user probability list 250 can be copied to a server
located in the neighborhood, and that server can perform some of
the functions of the content scheduling server. In an embodiment,
the neighborhood server can prepare a schedule of content
deliveries required by subscribers in the neighborhood, and "pull"
the required content from the content server 140 at an appropriate
time (as opposed to a "push" of content by the content server to
the neighborhood) and store that content in a local storage device.
In an embodiment, a unit of subscriber equipment (e.g. a media
processor) can function as a neighborhood server. Other embodiments
can be used in the subject disclosure.
[0069] It should be understood that devices described in the
exemplary embodiments can be in communication with each other via
various wireless and/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can
be links that are described as coupled, connected and so forth,
which can include unidirectional and/or bidirectional communication
over wireless paths and/or wired paths that utilize one or more of
various protocols or methodologies, where the coupling and/or
connection can be direct (e.g., no intervening processing device)
and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediary processing device such as a
router).
[0070] FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of
a machine in the form of a computer system 1100 within which a set
of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform
any one or more of the methods described above. One or more
instances of the machine can operate, for example, as the server
730, the media processor 706, the local caching proxy 151, and
other devices of FIGS. 1-4. In some embodiments, the machine may be
connected (e.g., using a network 1126) to other machines. In a
networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a
server or a client user machine in a server-client user network
environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or
distributed) network environment.
[0071] The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user
computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a
laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network
router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set
of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to
be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a
communication device of the subject disclosure includes broadly any
electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication.
Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine"
shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that
individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of
instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed
herein.
[0072] The computer system 1100 may include a processor (or
controller) 1102 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a
graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory 1104 and a
static memory 1106, which communicate with each other via a bus
1108. The computer system 1100 may further include a display unit
1110 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a
solid state display). The computer system 1100 may include an input
device 1112 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 1114 (e.g.,
a mouse), a disk drive unit 1116, a signal generation device 1118
(e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device
1120. In distributed environments, the embodiments described in the
subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units
1110 controlled by two or more computer systems 1100. In this
configuration, presentations described by the subject disclosure
may in part be shown in a first of the display units 1110, while
the remaining portion is presented in a second of the display units
1110.
[0073] The disk drive unit 1116 may include a tangible
computer-readable storage medium 1122 on which is stored one or
more sets of instructions (e.g., software 1124) embodying any one
or more of the methods or functions described herein, including
those methods illustrated above. The instructions 1124 may also
reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory
1104, the static memory 1106, and/or within the processor 1102
during execution thereof by the computer system 1100. The main
memory 1104 and the processor 1102 also may constitute tangible
computer-readable storage media.
[0074] Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not
limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable
logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed
to implement the methods described herein. Application specific
integrated circuits and programmable logic array can use
downloadable instructions for executing state machines and/or
circuit configurations to implement embodiments of the subject
disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems
of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and
computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or
more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with
related control and data signals communicated between and through
the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated
circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software,
firmware, and hardware implementations.
[0075] In accordance with various embodiments of the subject
disclosure, the operations or methods described herein are intended
for operation as software programs or instructions running on or
executed by a computer processor or other computing device, and
which may include other forms of instructions manifested as a state
machine implemented with logic components in an application
specific integrated circuit or field programmable gate array.
Furthermore, software implementations (e.g., software programs,
instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to, distributed
processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel
processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed
to implement the methods described herein. It is further noted that
a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a state
machine or other suitable device for executing instructions to
perform operations or methods may perform such operations directly
or indirectly by way of one or more intermediate devices directed
by the computing device.
[0076] While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 1122 is
shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term
"tangible computer-readable storage medium" should be taken to
include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or
distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that
store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "tangible
computer-readable storage medium" shall also be taken to include
any non-transitory medium that is capable of storing or encoding a
set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the
machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the subject
disclosure. The term "non-transitory" as in a non-transitory
computer-readable storage includes without limitation memories,
drives, devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.
[0077] The term "tangible computer-readable storage medium" shall
accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state
memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or
more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or
other re-writable (volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical
medium such as a disk or tape, or other tangible media which can be
used to store information. Accordingly, the disclosure is
considered to include any one or more of a tangible
computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein and including
art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the
software implementations herein are stored.
[0078] Although the present specification describes components and
functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to
particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited
to such standards and protocols. Each of the standards for Internet
and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP,
UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art.
Such standards are from time-to-time superseded by faster or more
efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions.
Wireless standards for device detection (e.g., RFID), short-range
communications (e.g., Bluetooth.RTM., WiFi, Zigbee.RTM.), and
long-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used
by computer system 1100.
[0079] The illustrations of embodiments described herein are
intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of
various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a
complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus
and systems that might make use of the structures described herein.
Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the
art upon reviewing the above description. The exemplary embodiments
can include combinations of features and/or steps from multiple
embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived
therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and
changes may be made without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be
drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated,
while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and
drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense.
[0080] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
which achieves the same or similar purpose may be substituted for
the embodiments described or shown by the subject disclosure. The
subject disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or
variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above
embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described
herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. For instance, one or
more features from one or more embodiments can be combined with one
or more features of one or more other embodiments. In one or more
embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be
negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or without
replacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The
steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the
subject disclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or
functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject
disclosure can be performed alone or in combination with other
steps or functions of the subject disclosure, as well as from other
embodiments or from other steps that have not been described in the
subject disclosure. Further, more than or less than all of the
features described with respect to an embodiment can also be
utilized.
[0081] Less than all of the steps or functions described with
respect to the exemplary processes or methods can also be performed
in one or more of the exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of
numerical terms to describe a device, component, step or function,
such as first, second, third, and so forth, is not intended to
describe an order or function unless expressly stated so. The use
of the terms first, second, third and so forth, is generally to
distinguish between devices, components, steps or functions unless
expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, one or more devices or
components described with respect to the exemplary embodiments can
facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating (e.g.,
facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection) can
include less than every step needed to perform the function or can
include all of the steps needed to perform the function.
[0082] In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a
controller or circuit) has been described that performs various
functions. It should be understood that the processor can be
multiple processors, which can include distributed processors or
parallel processors in a single machine or multiple machines. The
processor can be used in supporting a virtual processing
environment. The virtual processing environment may support one or
more virtual machines representing computers, servers, or other
computing devices. In such virtual machines, components such as
microprocessors and storage devices may be virtualized or logically
represented. The processor can include a state machine, application
specific integrated circuit, and/or programmable gate array
including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when a processor
executes instructions to perform "operations", this can include the
processor performing the operations directly and/or facilitating,
directing, or cooperating with another device or component to
perform the operations.
[0083] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the
understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the
scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing
Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are
grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of
streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be
interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments
require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.
Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter
lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.
Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately
claimed subject matter.
* * * * *